How to Dull the Polyurethane on a Guitar

Ever get tired of looking at your shiny guitar? Fingerprints? Pick scratches? Well, I have the solution to your problems: dulling your polyurethane. You think I may be joking, but I am serious. Dulling the polyurethane on your guitar may be the cheapest modification you can do to your guitar's appearance, and you can easily get great results with very little effort.

Step 1: Prepare
You will need to get the supplies for this job. You will need a random orbital palm sander. This CAN be done by hand, however, results are not guaranteed, it turns out better with a palm sander. Any orbital palm sander should do. Next, you will need a sheet of Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scour Pads. These pads are very slightly abrasive, and this is what will dull the polyurethane on your guitar. Scotch-Brite pads can be found any any local hardware store, or even the grocery store, and usually don't run more that $5 for 3 pads in a set. You must be able to attach these pads to your sander. The last thing you will need to buy is some type of wax. I have used "Turtle Wax", was made for cars, but does a great job at sealing in my results, and giving my guitar a great look.

Now that you have purchased everything you need to complete this process, you are going to have to move on to the guitar. You must remove all the hardware off the guitar, including the bridge, knobs, pots, pickups, switch, and anything else on your guitar that would get in the way of you having a clean surface to dull. Pickups can be dropped into their holes and covered with tape, same goes for the pots and switch, so you will not have to undo any wiring. We are now ready to start.

Step 2: Let's Do It!
Here we go. I am assuming that you have attached the Scotch-Brite pad to your sander, and removed all the hardware. Place the sander, and let the sander work for you. Let the weight of the sander do the work, much pressure is not needed. Make sure you go over your guitar evenly, and take your time. If you expect this to take 20 minutes, your guitar will not look very nice. Take your time, go slow, get the finish you want the first time, without ruining your guitar.

Now you have dulled the polyurethane, and your guitar is needing that last finishing touch to complete it, wax. Make sure to clean the surface of the guitar you will be applying wax to, you want a clean surface to apply it for best results. Follow the directions for the wax you bought. Usually the wax job can be done in less than 30 minutes. Apply however many coats of wax you like, knowing that every coat increases the luster of the guitar.

Step 3: Reassemble and Admire
Your guitar looks awesome. You need to put it back together, get that hardware on your guitar and admire your work. Show it off to you friends, and be proud of what you have accomplished!